Former Leafs goaltender's reputation takes a huge hit after he refuses to take part in special event

In what is becoming a troubling trend in the NHL, another player has refused to participate in a pregame warm up while his team wears Pride Night jerseys. This time, it's a former Leaf, and about the last person you would expect. Fan favourite and all around nice guy James Reimer is the latest player to refuse to don a Pride themed jersey.

Honestly, this is pretty disappointing. I love James Reimer. He was great in the blue and white and was always a genuinely nice person. That's not to say that he isn't now, but his refusal to participate in Pride festivities has definitely hurt the public's opinion of him.

The truth is that it's absolutely his right to refuse based on his religion. Having said that, I have a hard time believing that a religion based around an almighty God who not only loves us all, but created us all, would have a problem with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Unfortunately that's a debate for another time.

Make no mistake, Pride festivities in the NHL are there to grow the sport. It's an attempt to reach out to a marginalized community of people and let them know that they are welcome here. I see nothing but good things coming from these nights. That's part of why I have a problem with players not participating. More fans means more money, more money means higher salaries for players. By refusing to participate tonight, Reimer is not only hurting the LGBTQIA2S+ community, but hockey as a whole. Quite frankly, it's disappointing.